Assemblies of God Evolution: 6 Key Events for Protestant Christian Denomination Since It Began

The Assemblies of God Protestant denomination was founded in 1914 when hundreds of churches experiencing a Pentecostal revival decided to unify for a common cause. The denomination, which is distinctive in its emphasis of the outward fruit of the Holy Spirit as manifested in acts like speaking in tongues, has experienced many changes in the century since its founding.

Here are six key events for the Assemblies of God Protestant denomination:

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1. Azusa Street Revival: A small church on Asuza Street in Los Angeles, California became the site of a Pentacostal revival beginning in 1906. An African-American preacher named William J. Seymour began speaking in tongues during a revival. It was the first sign of an outpouring of the Holy Spirit manifested in experiences like speaking in tongues, healings and other miracles which continued for over nearly 10 years. The Azusa Street Revival is considered the start of the modern Pentecostal movement in the United States.

2. The Hot Springs Arkansas council: In 1914, churches inspired and experiencing the fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked by revivals similar to the one at Azusa Street decided to come together to form the Assemblies of God Protestant denomination.

3. Ordination of women: Women were seen as potential Evangelists, missionaries and pastors from the beginning of the Assemblies of God Protestant denomination. The church began ordaining women in 1935.

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4. The founding of Evangel College: Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri became the first Pentecostal liberal arts college in the United States. It was started in 1955 as a place where Assemblies of God students could discover their life's calling.

5. Acceptance into Mainstream: In 1942 the National Association of Evangelicals invited the Assemblies of God Protestant denomination to join. This removed the "cult status" of the group.

6. The World Fellowship: In 1988 the World Assemblies of God Fellowship was formed. This brought together indigenous Assemblies of God denominations from around the world.

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